שֶׁ֫לֶט (she.let)
she.let
shield
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shelet denotes a shield, appearing six times in Scripture with notable presence in Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, and Second Samuel. While the lexica offer limited detail beyond this basic identification, its usage anchors the concept of protection in tangible, physical terms.
In these passages, the term functions as a concrete image of defense. For instance, it appears in contexts where divine protection is described using military imagery, such as when Jeremiah speaks of God as a shield to those who trust in Him. The word evokes the immediate safety provided by a warrior’s gear, distinguishing itself from more abstract concepts of refuge.
Though less common than other Hebrew words for protection, shelet carries significant weight in its brevity. Its occurrence in poetic texts like Song of Solomon suggests it may also symbolize cherished security or closeness, while its use in prophetic literature reinforces the reliability of God’s defense. Translators consistently render it as "shield," preserving the directness of the original image.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
A shield was more than just armor in ancient times; it was the primary means of survival in battle. When Scripture uses this word, it paints a picture of immediate, tangible protection. It reminds us that God does not offer distant or abstract help, but stands right beside us as a defense against harm.
In Jeremiah, the image is urgent and active, calling for shields to be held firm as God works through history. In Song of Solomon, the metaphor shifts to beauty and strength, comparing a loved one’s neck to a tower hung with shields. Both uses point to the same reality: we are covered by a protection that is both mighty and personal.
This word invites you to rest in that security. You do not have to face life's dangers alone. The God who defends His people is close, reliable, and ready to stand between you and what seeks to harm you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ shields3×
- [the] shields of3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁלְטֵ֣י2×
- הַ/שְּׁלָטִ֔ים2×
- שִׁלְטֵ֥י1×
- הַ/שְּׁלָטִים֒1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 51:11
“Make the arrows sharp! Hold the shields firmly! Yahweh has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it; for it is the vengeance of Yahweh, the vengeance of his temple.
This verse uses the word in an urgent military command, linking the physical shield directly to Yahweh’s active judgment and defense of His temple.
-
Song of Solomon 4:4
Your neck is like David’s tower built for an armory, on which a thousand shields hang, all the shields of the mighty men.
Here the shields are decorative yet powerful, symbolizing the strength and readiness found in the beloved's appearance rather than immediate combat.
-
II Samuel 8:7
David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
The taking of these gold shields serves as a historical record of victory, showing how God’s protection over Israel resulted in tangible spoils from defeated enemies.